Who Is Gulzar? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gulzar, born on August 18, 1934, is an eminent Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, and author who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature and cinema. As of 2025, he is 90 years old, having spent a lifetime enriching the literary and artistic landscape of India. His poetic expressions, touching lyrics, and captivating storytelling have won him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Oscar for Best Original Song in "Jai Ho" from the film Slumdog Millionaire.
Gulzar's work often revolves around the themes of love, life, and nature, reflecting his deep understanding of human emotions. With a career spanning over six decades, he has become a revered figure in Indian arts.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 18, 1934 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Dina, Punjab, British India (present-day Punjab, Pakistan) |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Pakistan |
Popularity
Gulzar's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific physical measurements for Gulzar are not frequently published due to his private nature, it is known that he has a slender build, typical for someone of his age. His stature not only represents his physical attributes but also his larger-than-life presence in the world of poetry and film.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gulzar is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. He was married to the well-known actress Raakhee Gulzar in 1973, and the couple's relationship has been a subject of admiration in the industry. However, they reportedly live separately. Gulzar treasures his relationships with family and friends, often reflecting on them in his work.
Although there have been rumors throughout the years regarding his dating life, there have been no confirmed reports about a romantic relationship after Raakhee. His commitment to his craft seems to take precedence over romance in his later years.
In school, he had read translations of the works of Tagore which he recounted as one of his life's many turning points. Due to the partition, his family split and he had to stop his studies and come to Mumbai (then called Bombay) to support his family.
Sampooran took up many small jobs in Mumbai to eke out a living, including one at a garage at Vichare motors on Bellasis road (Mumbai). There he used to touch up accident-damaged cars by mixing shades of paint. He'd say, "I had a knack for colours". His father rebuked him for being a writer initially.
He took the pen name Gulzar Deenvi and later simply Gulzar. In an interview with Rajyasabha TV, he recounted enjoying his work as a painter as it allowed him a lot of time to simultaneously read, write, attend college and be involved with the PWA (Progressive Writers Association).
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Gulzar's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. His earnings primarily come from his work in Bollywood, where he has not only penned lyrics and scripts but also directed and produced films. Gulzar's contributions to literature and his various projects have solidified his financial success, allowing him to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while remaining engaged in socially impactful endeavors.
Career, Business and Investments
Gulzar's career has been multifaceted, showcasing his talents as a versatile artist. He started as a lyricist in the late 1950s and soon progressed to directing films, such as the critically acclaimed Mausam and Kitaab. Beyond cinema, he has penned numerous books, spanning poetry, short stories, and children's literature, that have also achieved commercial success.
In addition to his work in films and literature, Gulzar has invested in various artistic projects and social causes, focusing on education and cultural preservation. His dedication to the arts extends beyond personal gain to influence the next generation of artists and poets.
Gulzar (born Sampooran Singh Kalra; 18 August 1934) is an Indian Urdu poet, lyricist, author, screenwriter, and film director known for his works in Hindi cinema. He is regarded as one of greatest Urdu poets of this era. He started his career with music director S.D.
Burman as a lyricist in the 1963 film Bandini and worked with many music directors including R. D. Burman, Salil Chowdhury, Vishal Bhardwaj and A. R. Rahman. Gulzar also writes poetry, dialogues and scripts. He directed films such as Aandhi and Mausam during the 1970s and the TV series Mirza Ghalib in the 1980s. He also directed Kirdaar in 1993.
Social Network
Gulzar maintains a low-profile on social media, but he does have an active presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights into his art, poetry, and personal reflections. His followers appreciate his thought-provoking content and his poetic musings that resonate with many.
After writing dialogues and screenplay for films such as Aashirwad, Anand and Khamoshi, Gulzar directed his first film Mere Apne (1971). The film was a remake of Tapan Sinha's Bengali film Apanjan (1969). Meena Kumari played the lead role of Anandi Devi, an old widow caught in between the local fights of unemployed and tormented youngsters.
Anandi Devi's death in one of the fights makes them realise the futility of violence. The film was rated "Above Average" at the box office. He then directed Parichay and Koshish. Parichay was based on a Bengali novel, Rangeen Uttarain by Raj Kumar Maitra and inspired from the Hollywood film The Sound of Music.
He wrote the story of Koshish based on the struggle faced by a deaf-dumb couple wherein Sanjeev Kumar won National Film Award for Best Actor. In 1973, he directed Achanak, inspired by the 1958 murder case KM Nanavati v State of Maharashtra, and the story writer Khwaja Ahmad Abbas earned a Filmfare nomination for Best Story.
Later he directed Aandhi, based on the Hindi novel "Kaali Aandhi" by Kamleshwar. Along with various wins and nominations, the film also won Filmfare Critics Award for Best Movie. Although the film was believed to be based on the life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the film was based on life of Tarkeshwari Sinha.
In the 1975's emergency, the film was banned from theatres. His next film Khushboo was based on Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay's Pandit Mashay.
His Mausam, which won the National Award for 2nd Best Feature Film, Filmfare Best Movie and Filmfare Best Director awards, along with other six Filmfare nominations, was loosely based on the story "Weather", from the novel, The Judas Tree, by A.J. Cronin. His 1982 film Angoor was based on Shakespeare's play The Comedy of Errors.
Education
Gulzar's educational background reflects his roots in literature and arts. Though detailed formal education records are sparse, it is well-known that he studied Hindi and Urdu literature, which greatly influenced his writing. His extensive reading and passion for literature shape his lyrical genius and storytelling prowess, making him one of the most respected poets in Indian history.
He has won 5 Indian National Film Awards; including 2 Best Lyrics, one Best Screenplay, one Second Best Feature Film (director), and one Best Popular Film (director); 22 Filmfare Awards; one Academy Award; and one Grammy Award.
He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award - Hindi in 2002, the Padma Bhushan in 2004, the third-highest civilian award in India, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2013, the highest award in Indian cinema. In April 2013, Gulzar was appointed as the Chancellor of the Assam University.
In 2024, Gulzar was awarded the Jnanpith, India's highest literary award.
